To Whom are You Talking? A Deep Learning Model to Endow Social Robots with Addressee Estimation Skills

Communicating shapes our social word. For a robot to be considered social and being consequently integrated in our social environment it is fundamental to understand some of the dynamics that rule human-human communication. In this work, we tackle the problem of Addressee Estimation, the ability to understand an utterance's addressee, by interpreting and exploiting non-verbal bodily cues from the speaker. We do so by implementing an hybrid deep learning model composed of convolutional layers and LSTM cells taking as input images portraying the face of the speaker and 2D vectors of the speaker's body posture. Our implementation choices were guided by the aim to develop a model that could be deployed on social robots and be efficient in ecological scenarios. We demonstrate that our model is able to solve the Addressee Estimation problem in terms of addressee localisation in space, from a robot ego-centric point of view.Comment: Accepted version of a paper published at 2023 International Joint Conference on Neural Networks (IJCNN). Please find the published version and info to cite the paper at https://doi.org/10.1109/IJCNN54540.2023.10191452 . 10 pages, 8 Figures, 3 Table

The probiotic Bifidobacterium breve B632 inhibited the growth of Enterobacteriaceae within colicky infant microbiota cultures

Infant colic is a common gastrointestinal disorder of newborns, mostly related to imbalances in the composition of gut microbiota and particularly to the presence of gas-producing coliforms and to lower levels of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Probiotics could help to contain this disturbance, with formulations consisting of Lactobacillus strains being the most utilized. In this work, the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium breve B632 that was specifically selected for its ability to inhibit gas-producing coliforms, was challenged against the Enterobacteriaceae within continuous cultures of microbiota from a 2-month-old colicky infant. As confirmed by RAPD-PCR fingerprinting, B. breve B632 persisted in probiotic-supplemented microbiota cultures, accounting for the 64% of Bifidobacteria at the steady state. The probiotic succeeded in inhibiting coliforms, since FISH and qPCR revealed that the amount of Enterobacteriaceae after 18 h of cultivation was 0.42 and 0.44 magnitude orders lower (P < 0.05) in probiotic-supplemented microbiota cultures than in the control ones. These results support the possibility to move to another level of study, that is, the administration of B. breve B632 to a cohort of colicky newborns, in order to observe the behavior of this strain in vivo and to validate its effect in colic treatment

Aportes de las teorías para la comprensión de las formas organizativas en el sector agropecuario en el este pampeano

El presente ensayo tiene como objetivo principal, hacer una revisión teórica de las posiciones tomadas por distintos autores referentes de cada modelo, cotejando sus fundamentos con lo que realmente ocurre en la realidad, para intentar comprender: ¿cómo es la dinámica evolutiva y prospectiva de estos modelos de cara al futuro?; ¿cómo se estructuran y organizan dichos modelos en los actuales contextos globales y territoriales? y, sobre todo, ¿cuál es el impacto socio-productivo y organizacional de su coexistencia y convivencia en el sector agropecuario en la Argentina?EEA AnguilFil: Trotta, Maria Claudia. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Agronomía. Grupo Agro Pampeano de estudios socioeconómicos; ArgentinaFil: Melazzi, María Marta. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Agronomía. Grupo Agro Pampeano de estudios socioeconómicos; ArgentinaFil: Torrado Porto, Roberto. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Anguil; ArgentinaFil: Mazzola, Walter. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Agronomía. Grupo Agro Pampeano de estudios socioeconómicos; Argentin

Growth hormone-releasing hormone attenuates cardiac hypertrophy and improves heart function in pressure overload-induced heart failure

It has been shown that growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) reduces cardiomyocyte (CM) apoptosis, prevents ischemia/reperfusion injury, and improves cardiac function in ischemic rat hearts. However, it is still not known whether GHRH would be beneficial for life-threatening pathological conditions, like cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (HF). Thus, we tested the myocardial therapeutic potential of GHRH stimulation in vitro and in vivo, using GHRH or its agonistic analog MR-409. We show that in vitro, GHRH(1-44)NH2attenuates phenylephrine-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiac cells, adult rat ventricular myocytes, and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CMs, decreasing expression of hypertrophic genes and regulating hypertrophic pathways. Underlying mechanisms included blockade of Gq signaling and its downstream components phospholipase Cβ, protein kinase Ce, calcineurin, and phospholamban. The receptor-dependent effects of GHRH also involved activation of Gαsand cAMP/PKA, and inhibition of increase in exchange protein directly activated by cAMP1 (Epac1). In vivo, MR-409 mitigated cardiac hypertrophy in mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction and improved cardiac function. Moreover, CMs isolated from transverse aortic constriction mice treated with MR-409 showed improved contractility and reversal of sarcolemmal structure. Overall, these results identify GHRH as an antihypertrophic regulator, underlying its therapeutic potential for HF, and suggest possible beneficial use of its analogs for treatment of pathological cardiac hypertrophy

Impact of close and positive margins in transoral laser microsurgery for TIS-T2 glottic cancer

Introduction: Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) represents one of the most effective treatment strategies for us 12 glottic squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). The prognostic influence of close/positive margins is still debated, and the role of narrow band imaging (NBI) in their intraoperative definition is still to be validated on large cohort of patients. This study analyzed the influence of margin status on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease specific survival (DSS).Methods: We retrospectively studied 507 cases of pTis-Tib (Group A) and 127 cases of pT2 (Group B) glottic SCC. We identified the following margin status: negative (n = 232), close superficial (n = 79), close deep (CD) (n = 35), positive single superficial (n = 146), positive multiple superficial (n = 94), and positive deep (n = 48) and analyzed their impact on RFS and DSS. Close margins were defined by tumor-margin distance &lt;1 mm. PreTLM margins were defined by white light in 323 patients, whereas NBI was employed in 311 patients.Results: In Group A, DSS and RFS were reduced in positive multiple superficial and positive deep margins (DSS = 96.1 and 97%, both p &lt; 0.05; RFS = 72%, p &lt; 0.001 and 75.8%, p &lt; 0.01). In Group B, DSS was reduced in positive multiple superficial margins (82.4%, p &lt; 0.05). RFS was reduced in positive single superficial, positive multiple superficial, and positive deep margins (62.5, 41.2, and 53.3%, p &lt; 0.01). In the entire population, RFS was reduced in CD margins (77.1%, p &lt; 0.05). Use of NBI led to improvement in RFS and DSS.Conclusion: The study indicates that close and positive single superficial margins do not affect DSS. By contrast, all types of margin positivity predict the occurrence of relapses, albeit with different likelihood, depending on stage/margin type. CD margins should be considered as a single risk factor. Use of NBI granted better intraoperative margins definition

Efectos del estrés hídrico sobre el crecimiento y supervivencia de plántulas de Grindelia covasii A. Bartoli & Tortosa

Grindelia covasii is an endemic species of the Lihue Calel Sierras. In this semiarid enviroment soil water availability is a limiting factor for seedling establishment. This greenhouse experiment evaluated the growth and survival of juvenile G. covasii plants by exposing four plant sizes (G=large, M=medium, and P=small plant sizes) to three irrigation levels, simulating high (Rf), moderate (R7) and low soil water availability (R14). Plant growth and physiological measurements were taken during the experiment. Results showed that growth parameters were affected by increasing water stress. Leaf senescence was high under severe water limitation (R14) with larger individuals showing highest drought tolerance. No changes were observed in resource allocation from aboveground parts to roots in response to water stress. Survival was also affected by reduced water availability, with smaller plants being the most affected. The lower tolerance of juvenile stages of G. covasii to severe water stress observed in this experiment, suggest that this species would require moist conditions for successful seedling establishment. This study provides useful information regarding G. covasii recruitment.Grindelia covasii es una especie endémica de las Sierras de Lihué Calel. En este ambiente semiárido la disponibilidad de agua tiene un rol fundamental en el establecimiento de las plántulas. Se estudió en macetas la respuesta del crecimiento y la supervivencia de plántulas de G. covasii de diferentes tamaños: pequeñas hasta 9 hojas (P), medianas entre 10 a 15 hojas (M) y grandes con más de 15 hojas (G) expuestas a tres niveles de disponibilidad hídrica, imitando primaveras más (Rf) o menos (R7) húmedas o secas (R14). Los parámetros de crecimiento evaluados durante 70 días variaron según el grado de estrés hídrico. La senescencia foliar fue elevada bajo limitaciones hídricas severas (R14), observándose una mayor tolerancia en los individuos de mayor tamaño. No se registraron cambios en la asignación de recursos desde la parte aérea a raíces en respuesta al estrés. La supervivencia resultó afectada por la menor disponibilidad hídrica, siendo las plántulas M y P las más perjudicadas. La menor tolerancia observada en los estadíos juveniles de G. covasii al estrés hídrico severo, sugeriría que las plántulas de esta especie necesitarían períodos húmedos para establecerse. Este estudio provee información básica relacionada con el reclutamiento de nuevos individuos

“Wake-up time activation” in older adults: first randomized experimental clinical trial

Balance main rely on vestibular, proprioceptive and visual apparatus integrity. In elderly, postural control fails also due to deficit of sensory functions, atrophy of the musculoskeletal system and neuronal reduction. Deterioration of these functions finally lead to abnormality in performing voluntary muscle movements, subjective feeling of vulnerability, insecurity and depression. Besides, physical inactivity (hypokinesia) is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease and stroke, contributing to obesity, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. For these reasons, especially in elderly, it is important to include physical activity as part of a regular routine. Aim of this randomized controlled trial was to demonstrate that daily subministration of “Wake-up Time Activation” protocol allow individual recovery of balance and tensile properties of periarticular and intra-articular structures, so preventing morning stiffness and reduction of the Range Of Motion (R.O.M.), mainly in the Vertebral Columna. Therefore, we propose to 50 Healthy individuals (age 45-86) of both sexes a peculiar sequence of movements that allow individual recovery of balance and tensile properties of periarticular and intra-articular structures, so preventing morning stiffness and reduction of the Range Of Motion (R.O.M.), mainly in the Vertebral Columna. To verify the effectiveness of this exercises, we scientifically detected, by mean of validated test and instruments, different parameters at tifferent time, for each individual, for two months. Tests were detected at T0 (before starting daily exercises), T1 (after one month of daily exercises), T2 (at the end of the second month of exercises). At each time, on every person, we performed: Cervical Test, Spinal motility, Pelvic motility (mobility); Standing one leg Test (balance); Get up and Go (reactivity); SF-36 (mood/depression); Paint Rating Scales (joint pain). Statistical analysis of obtained results, discussed in detail in the Postrer, scientifically demonstrate that performing of “Wake-up Time Activation” protocol of adapted fisical activity lead to immediate and persistent back pain reduction, articular R.O.M. increase, recovery of balance and coordination, improved autonomy and mood, also in elderly

Patient-Reported Outcomes After Swallowing (SWOARs)-Sparing IMRT in Head and Neck Cancers: Primary Results from a Prospective Study Endorsed by the Head and Neck Study Group (HNSG) of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO)

Objectives To prospectively investigate changes in M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) scores in patients affected by naso- and oropharynx cancer after definitive radiochemotherapy (ChemoRT) using swallowing organs at risk (SWOARs)-sparing IMRT. Methods MDADI questionnaires were collected at baseline and at 6 and 12 months after treatment. MDADI scores were categorized as follows: >= 80 "optimal," 80-60 "adequate," < 60 "poor" deglutition-related quality of life (QoL) group, and dichotomized as "optimal" vs "adequate/poor" for the analysis. A mean MDADI composite (MDADI-C) change of 10 points was considered as minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Results Sixty-three patients were enrolled of which 47 were considered for the analysis. At baseline, 26 (55%) were "optimal" and 21 (45%) were "adequate/poor." The mean baseline MDADI-C score was 93.6 dropping to 81 at 6 months (p = 0.013) and slightly rising to 85.5 at 12 months (p = 0.321) for the "optimal" group. Indeed, the mean baseline MDADI-C score was 64.3 rising to 77.5 at 6 months (p = 0.006) and stabilizing at 76 at 12 months (p = 0.999) for the "adequate/poor" group. A statistically significant but not clinically relevant worsening of the MDADI-C score was reported for the "optimal" group, whereas both a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement of the MDADI-C score were reported for the "adequate/poor" group from before to post-treatment. Conclusion Our results suggest a doubly clinical benefit of dose optimization to SWOARs to minimize the RT sequalae in patients with a baseline "optimal" deglutition-related QoL and to recover from cancer dysphagia in those with a baseline "adequate/poor" deglutition-related QoL

Extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) promotes M2 macrophage polarization in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is the rate-limiting enzyme in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis. In the extracellular compartment, it exhibits cytokine-/adipokinelike properties, suggesting that it stands at the crossroad between metabolism and inflammation. Here we show that both intracellular and extracellular NAMPT levels are increased in cells and plasma of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. The extracellular form (eNAMPT) is produced by CLL lymphocytes upon B-cell receptor, Toll-like receptor, and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway activation. eNAMPT is important for differentiation of resting monocytes, polarizing them toward tumor-supporting M2 macrophages. These cells express high levels of CD163, CD206, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and secrete immunosuppressive (interleukin [IL] 10, CC chemokine ligand 18) and tumor-promoting (IL-6, IL-8) cytokines. NAMPT-primed M2 macrophages activate extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and NF-κB signaling; promote leukemic cell survival; and reduce T-cell responses. These effects are independent of the enzymatic activity of NAMPT, as inferred from the use of an enzymatically inactive mutant. Overall, these results reveal that eNAMPT is a critical element in the induction of an immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting microenvironment of CLL